International Flavors & Fragrances (IFF), a leading innovator of sensory experiences that move the world, recently launched the fragrance and flavour industry’s first-ever on-site wind turbine at its manufacturing facility located in Tilburg, Netherlands.

‘The wind turbine is a big step for us in our exciting journey to lead positive transformational changes, as we realise our Vision 2020 business strategy,’ says Andreas Fibig, Chairman and CEO of IFF. ‘I am proud of the efforts our global teams are making on sustainability initiatives such as this. Not only does being environmentally responsive make good business sense, it is also my belief that as industry leaders, we have an unyielding commitment to the Earth.’

Green energy a must

With an output of 2.4 megawatts, the turbine will produce approximately 6.5 million kWh of renewable electricity per year – the clean energy equivalent of what is needed to power 1 860 households. It is estimated to provide up to 30 percent of the site’s electricity needs, and when combined with purchased green electricity, the facility will be powered by 100 percent renewable electricity.

‘We are thrilled to launch our first wind turbine,’ says Kip Cleverley, director of global sustainability for IFF. ‘Our team in Tilburg has been instrumental in driving this project forward and its efforts show how local implementation is essential to our global sustainability performance. This project truly embodies Positive Principles, which is the main aspect of our sustainability strategy. Here we strive to embed the principles of eliminating the concept of waste and using clean, renewable energy, in our company and culture.’

Positive sustainability developments

In 2015, IFF formally reaffirmed its commitment to renewable energy with its support of RE100, a collaborative, global initiative of influential businesses committed to 100 percent renewable electricity. With the launch of its 2015 sustainability report at the end of May, IFF also celebrated year-over-year company-wide reductions in energy and water use and greenhouse gas emission intensities.

IFF has also been listed on the 2016 Newsweek Green Rankings, one of the world’s foremost corporate environmental rankings.

The philosophical keystone of IFF’s sustainability strategy is the concept of the circular economy. In contrast to a linear ‘take-make-dispose’ economy, a circular economy is one that is restorative and regenerative by design. This concept is a driver of sustainable innovation of products, business models, companies and economies.

‘Innovation comes not just from what you make, but how you make it,’ says Nicolas Mirzayantz, IFF’s group president, fragrances, and executive sustainability sponsor. ‘Following our launch of the largest solar array in the industry, this turbine is another demonstration of how we always strive for what is best for our company and the planet. The turbine will serve as a pillar of inspiration and pride for IFF employees in Tilburg – and around the world.’